USED (2024), directed by Julia Habchi
Award-Winning Short Film on Intellectual Abuse
A gifted teenage mathematician is presented with a life-altering choice when a government official offers her mother’s release from prison in exchange for her intellect.
Becky, a young prodigy, is recruited to design a groundbreaking prison security system capable of preventing the escape of dangerous inmates. What begins as an opportunity quickly becomes a form of exploitation. As the project consumes her youth and isolates her from a normal teenage life, Becky begins to question the true cost of her sacrifice. Caught between institutional pressure and emotional manipulation at home, she must confront whether her mother’s freedom is worth the personal and psychological toll demanded of her.
USED explores intellectual abuse, moral coercion, and the quiet erosion of childhood under the weight of power.
Written and Directed by:
Julia Habchi
Starring:
Christine Habchi, Nikhil Mittal, Olga Habchi, Julia Habchi
Produced by:
NightWriter Productions, Merlichi Movies
Runtime:
13 minutes, 49 seconds
Filmed on location in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.